Category: Coffee

Mothersauce Partners went nationwide recently with an exploratory trip to Austin, TX. What an amazing city in the midst of an amazing time. There is a palpable energy to the town that is inescapable—what was for years a quiet capital is now undergoing explosive growth. It seems that everyone there is trying to figure out how to make it work.

The food and drink scene in Austin is in the midst of a powerful transformation in concert with the city’s growth as a whole. Standbys like barbecue and Tex-Mex are having to adjust as new concepts gain a foothold in the scene. Navigating this as a newcomer can be tricky, but it was made easier thanks to Rachel Charlesworth. Her Instagram, ATXEats, boasts almost 14,000 followers. If you want to know where to eat—just follow her.

Unfortunately, no one told me how to dress. After my third meeting where I was in a blazer and dress shoes, and the other party was in flip flops, I started to get Austin. I shed my DC armor and began to enjoy myself a bit more.

I tried to hit a lot of the spots—Launderette, Uchiko, Fleet Coffee, Easy Tiger, Tamale House East and so on—but there were just so many on the list.

A special shout goes out to the dynamic CEO of an Austin institution, Mason Ayer at Kerbey Lane Cafe. It was great to hear about the history of an iconic company and learn about what the future might hold for them.

Also, the kick ass team at SMGB Hospitality is ready to take over Austin—and beyond. Their upcoming project, Old Thousand will no doubt make an immediate impact. These guys are real pros. Thanks for all the time, gentlemen.

I think a lot about startup culture in this country and how it is always talked about in tech, but it is as prevalent in food as much as anywhere. Restaurants are startups—aspiring restaurateurs have a great idea to meet an under-served need, they scrounge for some capital, then they take a huge risk and hope to make it big. Austin is full of these people, as is DC, and it is a big part of what makes the cities great.

I was lucky enough to meet with some of these food startup folks down there who are ready to disrupt the Austin scene for the better, and I hope to have some info soon about how Mothersauce Partners will help them do it.

In the meantime, my last meeting summed up Austin perfectly. I had heard about Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed pool in the middle of a city park, and I wanted to jump in before I left. Turns out the guy I met with last was a swimmer, and he offered to take me on the way to the airport—and jump right in with me. Now that is a cool guy, and it was a great meeting.

I started the trip in a sport jacket, and I finished it in board shorts. Thanks, ATX. I will be back soon.

That’s often the phrase on repeat in my head. Morning through the afternoon and even sometimes at night. I love it, and I want it all the time. Many of you out there can relate.

But it’s worth noting that the appeal of coffee goes far beyond the caffeine fix. Coffee is a ritual, and to many people it is a fundamental part of who they are and how they operate. Coffee is a way to start the day, a means to connect with others, a respite from an otherwise busy day. Because of the value of that ritual, and because of America’s growing desire to improve upon culinary traditions, coffee has enjoyed a powerful and exciting renaissance—the third wave.

The third wave took coffee out of the freezer and the tin can and elevated it to something worth thinking and caring about. All of a sudden, people started to realize that coffee came from a place. From lots of different places, in fact. Pioneers like Philz and Peet’s kicked it off, and then Starbucks pounced and exploded. And here we are now, entering what I would call a fourth wave. Maybe a third-and-a-half wave, at least.

We are at a point now where people go out of their way to avoid a Starbucks. The original $4-latte destination is now seen as a last resort option for many who have realized that lighter, more balanced roasting of fresher, higher-quality beans makes a world of difference. It just tastes so much better. And an environment that feels original and welcoming is far better than the generic, corporate-manufactured coffee spot.

Like tasting your first Premier Cru, once you taste and experience good coffee, good luck settling for anything else. Fortunately, the market is attuned to that, and the renaissance of the “local coffee shop” is underway in force. D.C. has become a city that serves up not only good coffee, but also the unique environments in which to savor it. Add to that the development of cafes that also serve amazing teas, great food and—maybe best of all—beer, wine and cocktails.

Now the Third Place is truly complete. The basic ritual of “getting a cup of coffee” has become something more, and the city is better for it.

I am thrilled to announce that we are joining the coffee evolution with our first project, Takoma Beverage Company. Mothersauce Partners will finance and advise Takoma Beverage Company as they seek to make their mark in one of the D.C. area’s most important neighborhoods. Seth Cook and Chris Brown bring years of expertise honed in perhaps the most influential coffeeshop/café in the city—Northside Social in Clarendon—with them, as they break out to open their own store.

The talent behind this concept is top-notch and their plan is solid. With Mothersauce Partners providing the foundation, I am confident they will make a positive impact on both their community and their industry. Sign up on our site for more information about the launch of this promising new venture.